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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Style: Art Deco
Style: Victorian
Antique Victorian Quality Rosewood Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian quality rosewood inlaid banjo barometer having a quality attractive banjo shaped rosewood case with superb satinwood marquetry inlay and a carved top, porcelain the...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rosewood

5 dial Elegant Victorian Barometer First half of 19th century by P Corti Exeter
Located in Sweden, SE
Literally “Weather Station” (known as a '5 dial' type wheel barometer) incorporates, wheel Barometer with silvered barometer dial finely engraved, encased in a cast bezel and covered...
Category

Early 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Set of Three Victorian Set Squares, C. 1880
Located in High Point, NC
This is a set of three antique shipwright's set squares. The squares are made from rosewood and have brass caps. They are right-angled tools, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique Apothecary Mortar and Pestle, English, Bronze, Beech, Chemist, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique apothecary mortar and pestle. An English, bronze and beech chemist's aid, dating to the Victorian period and later, circa 1890. Graced with a bright appearance a...
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

1900s Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting the Human Head
Located in Berghuelen, DE
1900s Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting the Human Head A rare brochure illustrating the anatomy of the human head. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of several layers of th...
Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Machine Age Art Deco Doctors or Bathroom Floor Model Scale Weigh Master by Hanso
Located in New York, NY
Great Machine Age, American Art Deco floor scale, Weigh Master by Hanson. The scale is fully functional, it shows cosmetic wear to the paint finish, and th...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy ca.1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy ca.1900s A rare 19ct anatomical brochure illustrating the female human anatomy. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of human ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

German Art Deco Desk Top Barometer and Weather Station
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
German Art Deco desk top barometer and weather station. German desktop barometer, thermometer and hydrometer. This station is unsigned and made...
Category

20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Art Deco Nudy Lady Thermometer
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Celluloid nude lady Art Deco thermometer.
Category

20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Antique Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy A rare 19ct anatomical brochure illustrating the female human anatomy. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of human o...
Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Globe from Dietrich Reimers. Germany 1930's
By Dietrich Reimers 1
Located in BAAMBRUGGE, NL
Globe by Dietrich Reimers berlin in the 1930's Made of papier mache with a wooden foot.
Category

1930s German Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Viennese enamel opera glasses, c. 1900.
Located in Gargrave, North Yorkshire
Viennese enamel opera glasses, c. 1900. The gilt metal opera glasses, having hand painted barrels of a couple wearing 18th Century costume, playing music in garden settings. The hand...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Enamel

Fine Pair French Abalone & Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning pair of French Opera glasses made from gilded brass, all intact and original. The glasses are clad in alternating Mother of Pearl or Nacre shell...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique 19th C. W & A K Johnston 18" Celestial Library Floor Globe Stand 1879
Located in Portland, OR
A very fine antique Celestial floor globe on stand by W. & A.K. Johnston, 1879. Representation of stars and constellations as they would appear on a sphere (Celestial sphere) of inf...
Category

1870s Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Accordion by Sabatino Nocentini & Figli Made in Florence, Italy
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Italian custom made accordion by Sabatino Nocentini Castiglion & Figli. Antique pearl white accordion, Italian accordion with profuse inlay decoration, gorgeous hand made wi...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Vintage Specimen Collector's Chest of Drawers, French, Walnut Desk Box, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage specimen collector's chest of drawers. A French, solid walnut four drawer executive desk box, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930. Exceptional figuring and f...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Luxury Victorian French Lorgnette Opera Glasses Marked "Iris, Paris", circa 1885
By Iris, Paris
Located in Incline Village, NV
Absolutely exquisite pair of operable mother of pearl high quality luxury, top of the line, French Lorgnette Opera Glasses; with fancy mother o...
Category

1880s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

19th century thermometer in original case
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century thermometer in original case circa 1890. Fine quality thermometer which measures between -45 degrees centigrade and +50. In ful...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Small Antique Pharmacist's Measuring Cup, English, Glass, Apothecary, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small antique pharmacist's measuring cup. An English, glass and leather apothecary measure, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 190...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Antique French Lorgnette Binoculars or Opera Glasses in Brass & Mother of Pearl
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique lorgnette opera glasses were made by LeRoy of France in approximately 1880 in the period Victorian style. These bi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Scholar's Microscope, English, Brass, Scientific Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique scholar's microscope. An English, brass and enamelled metal scientific instrument by Henry Crouch, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Appealing micr...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Chromed Brass, Terrestrial, Astro, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 2 draw telescope. An English, chromed brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky. Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display. Of generous proportion when fully drawn, and neatly stowed in its own case Displaying a desirable aged patina, some light marks commensurate with use Leather covered primary barrel tanned in dark green with some light colour wear Polished draw tubes show bright silvered tones, lightly marked from gentle use Presenting a clear optical performance, with a 34mm (1.25") primary objective lens Lift-off dust cap to the objective, the flared eye cup...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Eclectic Dutch Barometer With Thermometer From the Early 20th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Eclectic Dutch Barometer With Thermometer From the Early 20th Century An original barometer and thermometer set in an oak wood frame. The thermometer ...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Oak

Antique Cased Microscope, English, Scientific Instrument, J Swift, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cased microscope. An English, enamelled metal and brass scientific instrument by J. Swift & Son of London, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Presen...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Victorian Brass Postal Scale, Circa 1880-1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Victorian Brass Postal Scale, Circa 1880-1890.
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Cylinder Sundial Late 19th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). A boxwood cylinder sundial, also kn...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

19th C. Diminutive Plaster Phrenology Head, Atribb. A.L. Vago London, C.1870
By Vago
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th C. Diminutive Plaster Phrenology Head, Attributed to A.L. Vago London. C 1870 This diminutive plaster Phrenology head, attributed to A.L. Vago London circa 1870, stands as a f...
Category

19th Century English High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Antique English Victorian Brass Postal Scale, Circa 1870-1880.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Handsome Antique English Victorian Brass Postal Scale, Circa 1870-1880.
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Late 19th C Gemstone Mineral & Semi Precious Stone Specimens Display Case Curio
Located in Lowestoft, GB
Just the most wonderful collection of mineral specimens, housed in there original birds eye maple case. Each specimen is encased in a hand blown glass convex vial, along with a corr...
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Natural Fiber, Birdseye Maple, Pine

Antique English Postal Scale Brass Oak Circa 1880-1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Postal Scale Brass Oak Circa 1880-1890
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

English or French Antique Brass Surveyor's Transit Theodolite, last quarter 19th
Located in Atlanta, GA
From Wikipedia: “A THEODOLITE is a precision optical instrument for measuring angles between designated visible points in the horizontal and vertical planes. The traditional use has been for land...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Made Art Deco Style Bowl of Hygeia Symbol for Medicine / Pharmacy
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique, sizable and top quality workmanship 'pharmacy sign'. Some antiques you only find once in your life and we believe that we will never again find a handcrafted sign of such ra...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Antique English Mahogany Cased Compass by Stanley, London
By Stanley & Co., London 1
Located in Bath, GB
A very handsome Victorian military explorer's compass dating to around 1840 / 1860 set in a hinged mahogany block measuring 2" square. The compass has a shapely blued-steel needle (...
Category

1850s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Antique English Victorian Brass Letter Scale & Weights, Circa 1880-1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Victorian Brass Letter Scale with Weights, Circa 1880-1890.
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Late 19th C Gregory Bottley Scientific Collection of Mineral Fossils Shell
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A good collection of Gregory Bottley mineral, fossils and shell all contained in there original teak trays and card board sleeves. Each specimen has its original hand written and nu...
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Natural Fiber, Hardwood

Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass c.1890
Located in Bath, GB
A very attractive Victorian explorers compass dating to around 1890. The floating card dial pivots on a bearing and is housed under a glass crystal which is clean and free from any ...
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Boxed Pair of Crown Castle Quality Straight Razors Germany
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Early 20th Century Boxed Pair of Crown Castle Quality Straight Razors With Decorative Bakelite Handles Made and Ground In Germany From a Gentleman's Priv...
Category

Early 20th Century German Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bakelite

Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump. Item featured weighs approx 180 lbs, remarkable red color, original lab...
Category

Early 1900s Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique Art Deco Portable Underwood Champion Typewriter c.1936
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco portable Underwood Champion typewriter in high gloss black finish and chrome. Bakelite and nickel keys with black and white lettering. Original Underwood lettering...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel, Nickel, Chrome

Early Victorian Walnut with Mother of Pearl Inlayed Stick Barometer
Located in New York, NY
Early Victorian walnut with mother of pearl inlayed stick barometer, 19th century.
Category

Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Brass & Scottish Agate Postal Scale & Weights, Circa 1865-1870
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Victorian Brass and Scottish Agate Postal scale with Weights, Circa 1865-1870.
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Agate, Brass

Antique English Field Glasses / Binoculars by Lawrence and Mayo - With Compass
By Lawrence and Mayo
Located in Bath, GB
A superb and very handsome pair of the unusual and sought-after "Lynx" binoculars by Lawrence and Mayo, dating to c.1900. These English pocket sized Field glasses or binoculars are m...
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Kinora monochrome motion picture viewer, circa 1905.
Located in London, GB
A Kinora monochrome motion picture viewer on folding dark oak base. Circa 1905. Marked: THE KINORA REGISTERED TRADE MARK PATENTED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Optical Glass, Oak

Antique "No. 1A Kodak Junior" Folding Camera c.1914-1927 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The body of camera is leather wrapped with a leather handle and brass and chrome accents. It folds smoothly closed to 1.75 inches. Sold for decorative purposes only. May or...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Antique Eastman Kodak "No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie" Camera c.1909
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original "No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie" camera with leather wrapped body, brass and chrome accents. Autographic film window in back with iron stylus for writing notes dir...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Antique "No. 1A Kodak Junior" Folding Camera c.1914-1927 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The body of camera is leather wrapped with a leather handle and brass and chrome accents. It folds smoothly closed to 1.75 inches. Solid brass "Marshall Field and Company" t...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Antique "No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodak, Model AB" Camera c.1900 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The Kodak No.3 Model AB is an early model. The body of camera is all leather with a leather handle and unique leather covered lens. it folds smoothly closed to 1.75 inches. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera c.1937-1939 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome and black accents and flip out view finder. Shown with life size hand. Sold as decorative o...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Antique Cast Iron & Lacquered Brass Max Kohl Type Didactic Balance Device
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
19th / 20th century didactic balance device, probably made for use in a physics laboratory or classroom. In the Style of Max Kohl (1853-1908), all in lacquered brass, a semi-circular...
Category

Late 19th Century German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Art Deco Kodak Vigilante Junior Six-20 Folding Camera c.1940-1948
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco Kodak Vigilante Junior Six-20 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome accents and flip out view finder. Folds neatly to 1.5 inches. Shown with life siz...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome

"Kodak Special Model A" Sealskin Folding Camera c.1915-1920 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The body of the Kodak Special, Model A incorporates several unusual design features. The most immediately obvious of these is the Bakelite panel on either side of the lens a...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Antique "No. 1A Kodak Junior" Folding Camera c.1914-1927
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The body of camera is leather wrapped with a leather handle and brass and chrome accents. It folds smoothly closed to 1.75 inches. Sold for decorative purposes only. May or...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Antique Eastman Kodak "No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie" Camera c.1909
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original "No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie" camera with leather wrapped body, brass and chrome accents. Autographic film window in back with iron stylus for writing notes dir...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Antique Canada Post Office Balance Scale with Cast Metal Base and Brass Accents
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique postal scale is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Canada and date to approximately 1952 and done in the Late Victorian ...
Category

Late 19th Century Canadian Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Floor Standing Globe On A Turned Hardwood & Brass Stand Model No 16
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Crams Imperial World Globe Floor Standing Globe On A Turned Hardwood & Brass Stand Model No 16 Manufactured by George F Cram Co. Indiana, U.S.A Sizes are guesstimates
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

"No. 1 Kodak Junior" Folding Camera c.1914-1927 with Case (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A rare model that offered many lens/shutter combinations. The body of camera is leather wrapped with a leather handle and chrome accents. It folds smoothly closed to 1.5 inc...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open. The original use was a flea trap, things were different in the old days and...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome accents and flip out view finder. Black and silver Art Deco design on both sides Show...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Vintage, New and Antique Scientific Instruments

Decorating with vintage, new and antique scientific instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.

The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) refers to a period during the 15th to 18th centuries that saw Europeans taking to the high seas to explore, trade and conquer various regions of the world. What we know about geography, the advancement of sea vessels and the development of scientific instruments all broadened significantly during this time.

With every new finding about our world, scientists invented tools to measure and record. While many of these objects are now obsolete, they are essentially works of art and have a rich history. Scientific instruments of a bygone era represent how far science and technology have advanced.

If you’re interested in introducing antique scientific instruments and tools to your decor to add contrast or draw attention to otherwise unexplored corners of your living room or dining room, there are many options to consider as far as textures and colors go. Like any curious decorative object that draws attention to your home library or mantel, vintage scientific instruments will likely add spirit to any conversation that might take place over cocktails or dinner.

Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.

Mid-century modern scientific instruments also capture a period of rapid progress, representing groundbreaking discoveries that defined the 20th century. Wouldn’t antique anatomical models of the 1950s pair well with your eye-catching abstract paintings, George Nelson clock or Florence Knoll sofa?

Whether you’re looking for a way to showcase your passion for chemistry or aviation or are making room in your foyer for a breathtaking industrial-style electronic time tower manufactured by Patek Philippe, 1stDibs offers a collection of vintage, new and antique scientific instruments that includes topographic tools, laboratory equipment and more.

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